Nick Clancy

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'2" Height

237LBS. Weight

Overview

Clancy has one of the toughest jobs in college football in 2012filling the shoes of former BC middle linebacker and top ten NFL draft pick Luke Kuechly. Even though Clancy is older than Kuechly, by the time the Carolina Panthers ninth overall pick left Chestnut Hill, he was the student learning from the master in terms of physical and mental preparation. Clancy might not be as athletic as his former teammate, but if he produces within any measure of the NCAAs leading tackler in 2011 after three seasons as a reserve outside linebacker, scouts will be considering him a draftable prospect.

The Joliet, Ill. native led Catholic to a state title as a senior (121 tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass break-ups) and also excelled in baseball until an injury to his pitching arm made him decide to stick with football. He redshirted his first year at BC, and then played as a reserve and on special teams in 2009 (17 tackles, 1.5 for loss) and 2010 (six stops). His role increased as a junior, averaging more than 30 plays a game as a key back-up outside linebacker (19 tackles, 1.5 for loss, 16-yard fumble recovery for a TD against UMass) before missing the final three games of the year due to a knee injury. At Boston College's pro day, Clancy ran the 40-yard dash in 4.93 and 4.92 seconds. He had a 30-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot broad jump. He did the short shuttle in 4.26 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.90 seconds. Clancy, who followed in the footsteps of the Carolina Panthers' top draft pick in 2012 Luke Kuechly, was an extremely productive player for the Golden Eagles.

Analysis

Strengths

Tough interior linebacker who hustles from sideline-to-sideline whether playing the run or pass. Finds the ball in traffic, slides between blockers to get to the running back. Stops backs cold when meeting them in the hole, drops his hips and anchors to secure the stop. Flashes the ability to punch off linemen blocks in the box. Aware defender and secure tackler in zone, knocks receivers off their route. Strong holding up the interior on coverage units, should be solid in lane responsibility covering kicks, as well.

Weaknesses

Average lower-body strength for the position, will lose the leverage battle against bigger players. Plays with high pad level, lacks great agility and speed in coverage due to average hip fluidity. Takes time to change direction in the open field, drop into a deep zone, and needs help to get to the ball once losing the angle. Not much of a factor in the backfield, average closing speed prevents him from reaching more elusive ballcarriers even if the lane is open.

NFL Comparison

Josh Hull

Bottom Line

Its no easy task following in the footsteps of the NCAAs leading tackler in 2011 and ninth overall selection in last Aprils draft, Luke Kuechly. Clancys making the move, however, from a reserve outside linebacker to the middle to utilize his strength and hustle between the tackles in order to plug the same holes Kuechly did for three seasons. Scouts will be watching to see if Clancy steps up to the task - any success in that pursuit could earn him draftable grades.

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Grade

Title

Draft (Round)

Description

96-100

Future Hall of Famer

Top Pick

A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played

85-95

Immediate Starter

1st

An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).

70-84

Eventual Starter

2nd-3rd

A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.

50-69

Draftable Player

4th-7th

A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.

20-49

Free Agent

UDFA

A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.